These are the books we recommend for Mark Zuckerberg’s reading challenge! On January 2, Zuckerberg declared his New Year’s Resolution to read more books. Along with creating his “A Year of Books” community page on Facebook, he stated, “We will read a new book every two weeks and discuss it here. Our books will emphasize learning about new cultures, beliefs, histories and technologies.” His first book chosen was The End of Power by Moisés Naím. Let us know what you suggest in the comments!
The Innovators by Walter Isaacson
A historical look at the beginnings of computer programming and the Internet, Isaacson’s book takes readers on a journey through time.
Firms of Endearment by Rajendra S. Sisodia, David B. Wolfe, and Jagdish N. Sheth
Firms of Endearment explores why companies who do good and create a positive work environment are more valued in business.
Reaching Down the Rabbit Hole by Dr. Allan H. Ropper and Brian David Burrell
A behind the scenes look at Harvard Medical School’s neurology unit examines how doctors treat bizarre, life-altering illnesses.
The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler
The Dalai Lama’s advice on how to overcome everyday problems and achieve happiness is an insightful read.
A Constellation of Vital Phenomenon by Anthony Marra
This beautifully told story of compassion follows eight-year old Havaa’s journey after her father is abducted by Russian soldiers and how the lives of Akhmed, the neighbor who finds her hiding in the woods, and Sonja, the doctor who treats him where they seek refuge, come together.
Truman by David McCullough
The Pulitzer Prize winning biography genuinely depicts how the President dealt with dramatic events that included everything from the dropping of the atomic bomb to the outbreak of the Cold War.
The “God” Part of the Brain by Matthew Alper
In this thought-provoking book, Alper explains why he thinks people believe in God.
New York: The Novel by Edward Rutherford
This outstanding work of historical fiction combines stories of all kinds of people whose fates rise and fall throughout the city’s history.
The Churchill Factor by Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson portrays Churchill as a brave and fearless leader and an open-minded trailblazer in politics.
Innovating Women: The Changing Face of Technology by Vivek Wadhwa and Farai Chideya
Wadhwa expresses the importance of men and women working together in technology in these first-hand accounts.
American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin
J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who led the effort to build the atomic bomb, is biographed in this Pulitzer Prize winning book.
Ransom by David Malouf
Based on one of the most famous lines in Homer’s Iliad, Malouf vividly depicts the relationship between Achilles and Priam in this powerful and moving tale.
The Language Instinct by Steven Pinker
A very insightful and logical look into the evolution of language and the human mind. It also helped Steven Pinker build his reputation among colleagues and the public.
